LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

©^ip.£^. ka^i0 % 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



\ Grand i^rmy of tlje Republic ; 




COMPILED AND PUBLISHED BY 

A. C. LEONARD, 

Department of Pennsylvania, G. A. R., 

LANCASTER, PA. 



Mailed, Post Paid, to any address at ^1.20 per dozen copies. 



< 



▲a 



m^ 1 1884 



Grand i^rmy of tlje Republic 




COMPILED AND PUBLISHED BY 

A. C.LEONARD, 

n 
Department of Pennsylvania, G. A. R., 

LANCASTER, PA. 



j l-iv 









Mailed, Post Paid, to any address at $1.20 per dozen copies. 



£4-6 2- 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1884, 

By A. C. LEONARD, 

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. 



PREFACE. 

This little volume has been compiled and published in 
the hope that the statistics and general information it 
contains may prove of interest and service to every Com- 
rade and of benefit to the Order. 

Many members of the G. A. R. desire to know more 
of the aim, object and doings of the organization, while 
very many ex-soldiers who are not members would become 
such if they understood the workings of the same. 

With a desire to aid in a general diffusion of knowledge 
upon the subject, we present this compilation of facts and 
figures. 

Fraternally, 

A. C. L. 



COI^TENTS. 

Page. 

Aim and Object, 7 

Principles, 9 

First Post Organized, . . , , II 

First Annual Encampment, . . . . ii 

Commanders in Chief, 1 1 

Departments — When Organized, 12 

Posts — Number of, I3 

Membership — Total, 13 

Gain and Loss, 13 

Consolidated Report 14 

Relief Expenditures IS 

Deaths, 15 

Memorial Day, 16 

Order Instituting Decoration Day 17 

Badge, 19 

Politics, 19 

High Standing of the Order 19 

How to Organize Posts t 20 

How to Keep a Post Alive, 22 

Conclusion, 23 

APPENDIX. 

Call for Troops — Battles Fought, Deaths, Prisoners Taken, &c., &c. 24 

Soldiers' Homes 27 

Soldiers' Orphans' Schools , 29 

ODES AND SONGS FOR USE OF G. A. R. POSTS. 

OPENING ODE. 

Warm Be The Welcome, ...... 30 

MUSTER ODES. 

Fraternity, , 31 

Charity, 32 

Loyalty, • • 33 



VI. CONTENTS. 

BADGE ODE. 

Comrade Take This Badge, 34 

ROLL ODE. 
America, , 34 

CLOSING ODE. 
Shall We Forget, 35 

CAMP-FIRE SONGS. 

Light Up the Fires, 36 

The Army Bean, "36 

Gay and Happy, 37 

Freedom Reigns To-Day, 38 

Who Will Care for Mickey Now, 39 

Good-Bye Mother, 40 

Yankee Doodle, , 41 

PATRIOTIC SONGS. 

Hail Columbia, 42 

Star Spangled Banner, , 43 

MEMORIAL HYMN. 
God of the Living and the Dead, 44 

FUNERAL HYMN. 
We Shall Meet Beyond the River, 45 



Grand Arn^y of llje Republic. 

WHAT AN AMOUNT OF MEANING IN THESE WORDS, AND WHAT A 
GREAT AND NOBLE MISSION OURS IS! 



AIM AND OBJECT. 

This organization binds together in Fraternal Union the 
men who during the dark days of 1 861-1865 wore the 
blue, and it contributes to their happiness and social en- 
joyment. 

It renders substantial aid to poor, dependent, crippled 
and diseased Comrades and to their families, and cares for 
the destitute widow and orphan of him who died that the 
Nation might live. 

It procures a home for every man who wore the blue and 
for his orphan children. 

It aids in procuring employment for those who have 
strength to earn their own livelihood, and of its ample 
means succors the helpless. 

It insures a decent burial and an honored grave to every 
Comrade who falls by the way. 

It stands by the worthy Comrade without regard to 

religion, nationality or party, and promotes his interests. 

The whole mission of the G. A. R. is so beautifully set 

forth in Chapter i, Article 2, of Rules and Regulations, 

that we reproduce the same. 



8 G. A. R. HAND BOOK. 

Chapter I, Article 2 — Rules and Regulations. 

The objects to be accomplished by this organization 
are as follows : 

I. To preserve and strengthen those kind and fraternal 
feelings which bind together the soldiers, sailors and ma- 
rines who united to suppress the late rebellion, and to 
perpetuate the memory and history of the dead. 

II. To assist such former comrades in arms as need help 
and protection, and to extend needful aid to the widows 
and orphans of those who have fallen. 

III. To maintain true allegian;e to the United States of 
America, based upon a paramount respect for and fidelity 
to the National Constitution and Laws, to discountenance 
whatever tends to weaken loyalty, incites to insurrection, 
treason, or rebellion, or in any manner impairs the effici- 
ency and permanency of our free institutions, and to en- 
courage the spread of universal liberty, equal rights and 
justice to all men. 



PRINCIPLES OF THE G. A. R. 



The three cardinal principles of the Order are, ''Fra- 
ternity, Charity, Loyalty." 

Fratefnity^ not as the world understands the term, but 
that spirit of fraternity which first budded when our names 
were written on the muster roll in response to the Country's 
call to arms, and which increased as we touched elbow to 
elbow, and grew as the days and years went by. 

On the march, in the foraging expedition, during the 
skirmish, amid the clash of arms, in the prison pen, all 
along the way this spirit of Fraternity existed, and under 
its influence those who wore the blue became as dear to 
each other as brothers. 

Time has failed todimish this spirit, and to-day it exists 
in the Grand Army of the Republic as nowhere else. 

This principle of Fraternity calls up recollections that 
inspire the soul and make all who marched beneath the 
old flag Comrades forever. It matters not whether. 
we served in the same company, regiment, brigade or 
corps, the mere fact that we wore the blue is enough to 
create an enduring bond of esteem and affection. 

Fraternity then, in its broadest sense, is a cardinal 
principle of the Grand Army of the Republic. 

Charity, the second great principle of the Order, makes 
it of <.reat and lasting benefit to all who come within its 
ir.Huei.ce. 

The necessity of introducing this principle into the 



lO G. A. R. HAND BOOK. 

Order was apparent immediately after the close of the war, 
for it was even then clear that the duty of caring for the 
crippled and diseased soldiers, and the helpless widows 
and orphans of those who had fallen would rest upon the 
shoulders of the survivors, hence the wisdom of the 
founders of the Order in including Charity as one of its 
principles. 

The amount of money paid by the G. A. R. in charities 
can never be known, the official report for a single year 
shows that nearly 9,000 Comrades or their families were 
relieved through the agency of relief funds; independent 
of this, however, a vast amount of money is yearly ex- 
pended for charities that the reports do not show. 

Loyalty was the principle that called the Grand Army 
into existence. Of all secret organizations it alone flings 
out the banner of Loyalty. 

It is loyal to the laws of the land, believes in the gov- 
erning power and respects authority. Were danger to 
assail the flag to-day the weary heroes would brighten i]{) 
the old sabre, polish the rusty bayonet, and forgetting the 
sufferings of the past rally round the standard as in i86i. 

The members of the G. A. R. are likewise loyal one 
to another. During the dark days of the war, the soldier 
knew that each member of the company or regiment would, 
in the hour of trial and danger, be loyal and true, not only 
to the country but also to each other, and likewise in these 
times of peace, when the old veteran is suffering for the 
necessaries of life, or amid sickness and sorrow it is ours 
to be loyal and true in thought, word and deed. 

Loyalty, as exemplified by the G. A. R., cannot but 
prove of great value to the v/hole nation, for its devotion 
to the Country and to each other will serve to strengthen 
the loyalty of the rising generation. 



G. A. R. HAND BOOK. II 

FIRST POST. 

The first Post of the G. A. R. was mustered at Decatur, 
III., by Major B. F. Stephenson, of Springfield, on the 
6th day of April, 1866. 

The first annual encampment was held at Springfield, 
111., June ist and 2d, 1866. 

COMMANDERS-IN- CHIEF. 

The first Provisional President of the Order was Major 
Stephenson, who served in that capacity until November 
20th, 1866, when Gen. L. A. Hurlburt, of Illinois, was 
made the first Commander-in-Chief, and subsequently 
elected for a second term. 

The second Commander-in Chief was Gen. John A. 
Logan, who also served two terms, and who, in 1868, 
was the first to direct a general observance of Decoration 
or Memorial Day. 

The third Commander-in-Chief was Gen. A. E. Burn- 
side, who was elected in 187 1, and subsequently re-elected 
for another term. 

Gen. Charles Devens, Gen. J. F. Hartranft, Gen. J. C. 
Robinson, Chaplain VVm. Earnshaw, Gen. Lewis Wagner, 
Gen. G. S. Merrill, Paul Vanderwoort and R. B. Beath 
followed in the order named until 1884, when the present 
Commander in-Chief, '*The Drummer Boy of Mission 
Ridge," John S. Kountz, was elected. 

Since Burnside no one has held the position a second 
term. 



DEPARTMENTS, 

There are at present permanent Departments of the 
G. A. R. in thirty-six States and Territories, as given 
below : 



Arkansas, Organized July ii, 

California, Organized February 20 

Colorado, Organized December 11 

Connecticut, Organized April 10 

Dakota, Organized February 27 

Delaware, Organized January 14 

Florida, Organized June 19 

Gulf, embracing Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi, 

Organized May 15 

Illinois, Organized July 12 

Indiana, Organized August 11 

Iowa, Organized September 26 

Kansas, Organized March 16 

Kentucky, Organized January 17 

Maine, Organized January 10 

Massachusetts, Organized May 7 

Maryland, Organized January 8 

Michigan, Re-organized May 

Minnesota, Organized May 18 

Missouri, Organized May 7 

Nebraska, Organized January 25 

New Hampshire, Organized May 

New Jersey, Organized January 

New Mexico, Organized July 14 



883. 
868. 

879. 

S67. 

883. 

881. 

884. 

884. 
866. 
879. 
866. 

880. 

883, 
868. 
867. 
868. 
868. 
880. 

875- 
877. 

868. 

868. 

88s. 



G. A. R. HAND BOOK. I3 

New York, Organized April 3, 1867. 

Ohio, Organized January 30, 1867. 

Oregon, Organized September 28, 1882. 

Pennsylvania, Organized January 16, 1867. 

Potomac, Organized February 11, 1869. 

Rhode Island, Organized March 24, 1868. 

Tennessee and Georgia, also embracing Alabama, 

Organized February 26, 1884. 
Utah, embracing also Montana and Idaho, 

Organized October 19, 1883. 

Vermont, Organized October 23, 1868. 

Virginia, Organized February 12, 1868. 

West Virginia, Organized February 20, 1883. 

Washington Territory, Organized June 20, 1883. 

Wisconsin, Organized September, 1866. 

POSTS. 

The number of Posts in all the Departments, March 
31st, 1884, was 4,323, one Post (No. 45, Department of 
California,) being located at Honolulu, Sandwich Islands. 

MEMBERSHIP. 
The total membership March 31st, 1884, was 233,595. 

ANNUAL GAIN AND LOSS. 

The annual membership, gain and loss, in the different 
Departments since 1872 is shown by the following table. 
(The records for the years previous to 1872 were destroyed 
in the Boston fire of 1871.) As will be seen the gain 
from March 31st, 1883, to March 31st, 1S84, was 87,412. 



14 



G. A. R. HAND BOOK. 



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G. A. R. HAND BOOK. 15 

RELIEF EXPENDITURES. 

The reported cash expenditures for charitable purposes 
by the different Posts of the G. A. R., from March 31st, 
1883, to March 31st, 1884, was ^153,364.30. 

DEATHS. 

Between March 31st, 1883, and March 31st, 1884, the 
number of Comrades that died, was 1,897. 



MEMORIAL DAY, 

Memorial or Decoration Day is an institution of the 
Grand Army of the Republic. It was first established by 
General Order No. ii, dated May ist, 1868 (a copy of 
which order is herewith given), and subsequently made 
permanent by the Rules and Regulations (Chapter 5, Arti- 
cle 14), and has been endorsed by both State and National 
Legislation. 

It is the day of all days in the G. A. R. Calendar, and 
Comrades should exercise great care that it be not made 
one of frolic and sport. Its associations are too sad and 
its memories too tender to permit of such desecration. 
Let us upon this day show to the world that the old soldier 
is capable of sober thoughts and earnest acts. 

The number of graves decorated in the Department of 
Pennsylvania (it being the only Department that kept a 
record of the same), May 30th, 1884, was 50,000. 



COPY OF GENERAL ORDER INSTITUTING DECORA- 
TION DAY. 



General Orders, No. ii. 

Headquarters, Grand Army of the Republic, \ 
Adjutant General's Office, j 

Washington, D. C., May ist, 1868. 

I. The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the 
purpose of strewing with flowers or oUierwise decorating 
the graves of comrades who died in defence of their coun- 
try during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in 
almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the 
land. In this observance no form of ceremony is present- 
ed, but Posts and comrades will, in their way, arrange 
such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circum- 
stances will permit. 

We are organized, comrades, as our regulations tell us, 
for the purpose, among other things, " of preserving and 
strengthening those kind and fraternal feelings which have 
bound together the soldiers, sailors and marines who united 
to suppress the late rebellion." 

What can aid more to assure this result than cherishing 
tenderly ihe memory of our heroic dead who made their 
breast a barricade between our country and its foes? Their 
soldier lives were the reveille of freedom to a race in 
chains, and their death the tattoo of rebellion's tyranny in 
arms. We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. 
All that the consecrated wealth of the nation can add to 
their adornment and security is but a fitting tribute to the 
memory of her slain defenders. Let no wanton foot tread 



1 8 G. A. R. HAND BOOK. 

rudely on such hallowed grounds. Let pleasant paths in- 
vite the going and coming of reverent visitors and fond 
mourners. Let no vandalism of avarice or neglect, no 
ravages of time testify to the present or coming genera- 
tions that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free 
and undivided republic. 

If other eyes grow dull, and other hands slack, and 
other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it 
warm as long as the light and warmth of life remain to us. 

Let us then, at the time appointed, gather around their 
sacred remains and garland their passionless mounds 
above them with the choicest flowers of spring time; let us 
raise above them the dear old flag they saved from dis- 
honor ; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledge to 
aid and assist those whom they left among us, a sacred 
charge upon the nation's gratitude — the soldiers' and 
sailors' widows and orphans. 

IL It is the purpose of the Commander-in-Chief to in- 
augurate this observance with the hope that it will be kept 
up from year to year while a survivor of the war remains 
to honor the memory of his departed Comrades. He 
earnestly desires the press to lend its friendly aid in bring- 
ing it to the notice of Comrades in all parts of the coun- 
try in time for simultaneous compliance therewith. 

III. Department Commanders will use efforts to make 
this order effective. 

By Command of JOHN A. LOGAN, 

Conwiander-in- Chief. 
N. P. CHIPMAN, 

Adjutant General., 



G. A. R. HAND BOOK. I9 

BADGE. 

The genuine G. A. R. badge is made of captured cannon 
metal. 

The design of the present badge is protected by Letters 
Patent and was adopted by the National Encampment 
October 27, 1869. 

During the year ending March 31st, 1884, 100,000 of 
these emblems were disposed of to Comrades. They are 
obtainable by Posts through Department Headquarters. 

POLITICS. 

The Grand Army of the Republic is non-partisan. 
(Chapter 5, Article 11, Rules and Regulations). 

It stands aloof from the strife and clash of parties. In 
its ranks are men of every political creed, every Nation- 
ality, and every religion. 

The G. A. R. fetters the conscience of none. In sick- 
ness and distress it stands by the Comrade, though the 
whole world assail him, but in political and religious affairs 
it is neutral. 

HIGH STANDING. 

For years the Grand Army of the Republic was sur- 
rounded by gloom, but not so to day. It has lived down the 
doubters, and now stands in the strong sunlight of public 
confidence and esteem. 



HOW TO ORGANIZE POSTS. 



For the benefit of those desiring to organize new Posts 
the following points are given : 

ist. Canvass the situation and ascertain whether the 
material necessary for the formation of a Post is at hand. 

2d. Send to the Headquarters of the Department in 
which you reside for a blank application for Charter. 

3d. Have this application signed by not less than ten 
ex-soldiers or sailors who are not members of the G. A. R., 
or who have not been dropped from its rolls. (Chapter 5, 
Article i, R. and R.) 

The test of eligibility is an honorable discharge from 
service in the United States Army or Navy, between April 
i2th, 1861, and April 9, 1865. Soldiers belonging to 
State regiments in active service, under the orders of 
United States general officers, between those dates, are 
also eligible. (Chapter i. Article 4, R. and R.) 

When preparing the petition it would be well to collect 
from each signer such sum as may be necessary to meet the 
expenses of organization ^i.oo, however being the 
smallest sum which may be received. (Chapter 2, Article 
2, Section 8, R. and R.) 

4th. When the petition is prepared send it, together 
with the Charter fee (^10), and such additional sum as 
may be necessary for supplies, to Department Headquarters, 
where the arrangements for muster will be made. 

5th. When the time is set for muster notify all the ap- 
plicants and see that not less than ten present themselves 
at the appointed time and place. 



G. A. R. HAND BOOK. 2 I 

6th. Upon the night of muster it will be necessary to 
elect officers. All officers are elected by ballot, and every 
Comrade in good standing is eligible to any position in the 
G. A. R. The officers of a Post are : Commander, Senior 
and Junior Vice Commanders, Chaplain, Surgeon, Officer 
of the Day, Officer of the Guard, Quartermaster, Adjutant, 
Sergeant-Major, Quartermaster-Sergeant. The Adjutant 
is appointed by the Commander, and the Sergeant-Major 
and Quartermaster-Sergeant are also appointed by the 
Commander upon the recommendation of the Adjutant 
and Quartermaster respectively. 

The duties of these officers are as follows : The Com- 
mander presides at the Post meetings, and in his absence 
the S. V. C. and J. V. C. take his place in the order of 
their rank; the Chaplain's duties are indicated by his 
title ; the Adjutant keeps the records of the Post, and 
makes a quarterly report to Department Headquarters 
through the Commander; the Quartermaster keeps the 
funds of the Post, and also makes a quarterly report to 
the Department Headquarters through the Commander, 
forwarding therewith the per capita tax due from Posts to 
Department Headquarters. (Chapter 2, x\rt. 6, R. and R.) 

7th. Posts cannot be named after any living person, 
and no more than one Post in a Department can adopt the 
same name. The Post name must be approved by the 
Department Commander. (Chapter i. Art. 3, R. and R.) 



HOW TO KEEP THE POST ALIVE. 



All that is to be said under this head might be embraced 
in these words : " Make the meetings interesting and the 
Post room attractive." This is the whole secret in a nut- 
shell. 

Conduct the business of the Post in a business-like man- 
ner ; let every matter of importance receive careful con- 
sideration, while on the contrary do not permit matters of 
little or no account to consume too much time. 

The officers should be well versed in their respective 
parts, and the muster-in of recruits should especially be 
conducted in an impressive manner. Immediately after 
adjournment let every member take the newly mustered 
Comrade by the hand and make him to see and feel that he 
is a welcome addition to your number. This is a seem- 
ingly small, but nevertheless important matter. Thou- 
sands of recruits are mustered who are never or very sel- 
dom seen at the Post thereafter, the reason being a 
thoughtless lack of sociability on the part of the older 
members. 

After the business of the evening has been transacted 
there should be a short season of song, etc. At such time let 
there be produced whatever vocal, instrumental or other 
talent there may be in the Post. Occasionally throw your 
doors open to the public; invite the members of your family, 
as well as your friends and neighbors, in to see you, and let 
them hear your story of the camp, march, skirmish, battle 
or prison ; have them join in the patriotic song, and thus 
get the community, as well as each Comrade, interested 
in the Post, and prosper it must. 



G. A. R. HAND BOOK. 23 

CONCLUSION. 

The Grand Army of the Republic is the grandest secret 
organization upon the face of the earth ; none other can 
lay claim to such glorious and precious memories. Every 
member of the G. A R. enjoys a companionship made 
sacred by common sufferings and sacrifices. 

The Fraternity of this organization is proven by the 
thousands of veterans who prize it above every other 
memory of the great war. 

Its Charity is manifest by its daily works. 

Its Loyalty is proven by its devotion to the principles 
that triumphed in the war. 

The work of this organization will not be ended until 
the last Comrade has been mustered into that Grand 
Army above, where God is the Great Commander. 

Let us keep this brotherhood together on the highest 
plane of citizenship, and with Fraternity, Charity and 
Loyalty inscribed upon our banners, prove to the people — 
North and South — that the Grand Army of the Republic 
is worthy of their confidence. 



APPENDIX. 



Abraham Lincoln was elected President of the United 
States November 6th, i860. 

South Carolina seceded from the Union December 20th, 
i860. 

Lincoln was inaugurated President March 4th, 1861. 

The first shot of the war was fired by Captain Geo. S. 
James, of South Carolina, April 12th, i86t, the occasion 
being the bombardment of Fort Sumter. 

The first call for volunteers (75,000 to serve three 
months,) was made by President Lincoln, April 15th, 
1861. 

The first company to respond to the call was from 
Chambersburg, Pa., commanded by Capt. T. S. Stumbaugh. 

Within ten days from the call for troops Pennsylvania 
had 25,975 men in the field. 

The total number of troops called for by the Govern- 
ment during the war was 2,942,748, the number of re- 
sponses being 2,859,132. Of this number 186,017 were 
colored^ 93j44i of whom were recruited in the rebellious 
States. 

The total number of Union soldiers that died during 
the war, from all causes, was 339,487. Of this number 
60,976 were killed in battle, 35,047 died from wounds re- 
ceived in battle, 183,464 died of diseases contracted in 
line of duty, and 60,000 died in rebel prisons, or immedi- 
ately after being exchanged. 



G. A. R. HAND BOOK. 25 

It is estimated that in addition to the above 400,000 
were disabled for life. 

Including both Union and rebel it is estimated that not 
less than one million of men were either killed or wounded 
during the war. 

The number of battles and severe skirmishes fought was 
625. 

January ist, 1863, President Lincoln issued his Procla- 
mation freeing the 4,000,000 slaves in the South. 

The greatest battle of the war was fought July ist, 2d 
and 3rd, 1863, at Gettysburg, Pa. 

Sherman started on his "March to the Sea" from 
Atlanta, Ga., in the Middle of November, 1864, and 
arrived at Savannah December 21st. 

March, 1865, Sheridan made his famous raid through 
the Valley of Virginia. 

April 9th, 1865, Lee surrendered to Grant. 

April 14th, 1865, President Lincoln was shot, at 10 j4 
o'clock P. M. Died next morning at 7:20. 

Johnston surrendered to Sherman April 26th, 1865. 

The Union armies, numbering one million of men, 
were disbanded the latter part of May, 1865. 

The total number of Union soldiers captured during 
the war was 198,218, 30 per cent, of whom died. 

The number of prisoners confined at one time within 
the stockade, at Andersonville, numbered 35,000, 10,000 
of whom were on the sick list. During the month of 
August, 1864, 3,000 died ; on the 23rd day of that month 
one died on an average every eleven minutes. 

The amount of solid food required per day to sustain 
liuman life is 42 ounces — as ascertained from the best 
scientific and practical sources — while the average daily 
food allowance at Andersonville was only ten ounces. 



26 G. A. R. HAND BOOK. 

It is estimated that the survivors of the war die at the 
rate of 3,000 per month. 

In 1864 the expenditures of the Government amounted 
to three and a half millions of dollars per day. 

In July, 1864, ^i.oo in gold was worth $2.85 in green- 
backs. 

Loans amounting to twenty-seven hundred and fifty 
millions of dollars were effected by the Government dur- 
ing the four years of the war. 

The National debt at the close of the war was two billion 
seven hundred and forty-nine million of dollars, the in- 
terest on which amounted to one hundred and thirty 
millions of dollars per year, payable in gold. 



SOLDIERS' HOMES. 



WHERE THEY ARE, WHO ARE THEIR MANAGERS, HOW TO 
SECURE ADMISSION, AND WHAT IS REQUIRED OF INMATES. 



NATIONAL HOME, WASHINGTON, D. C. 

Managers. 

The President of the United States ; the Chief Justice; 
the Secretary of War — ex-officiis. 

Gen. Wm. B. Franklin, President, Hartford, Conn. 

Col. Leonard A. Harris, ist Vice-President, Cincin- 
nati, Ohio. 

Gen. John A. Martin, 2d Vice-President, Atchinson, 
Kan. 

Gen. Martin T. McMahon, Secretary, 93 Nassau St., 
New York City. 

Maj. David C. Fulton, Hudson, Wis. 

Gen. Geo. B. McClellan, Orange, N, J. 

Gen. John M. Palmer, Springfield, 111. 

Gen. Chas. W. Roberts, Bangor, Me. 

Gen. Jas. S. Negley, Pittsburg, Pa. 

BRANCHES. 

Central Branch, near Dayton, Ohio ; Eastern Branch, 
near Augusta, Me.; Northwestern Branch, near Milwaukee, 
Wis.; Southern Branch, near Fortress Monroe, Va. 

The Board of Managers of the National Home for Dis- 
abled Soldiers invite the attention of all disabled soldiers 
of the United States — whether by the late war, the Mexi- 
can war, or the war of 1812 — to the fact that Homes have 
been established at the places above named for all such as 



28 G. A. R. HAND BOOK. 

are unable (from wounds received or disease contracted in 
the line of duty) to earn a living by labor. All the 
ordinary comforts of a home are provided. Chapels for 
religious service, halls for comforts, lectures, etc.; hos- 
pitals with experienced surgeons and nurses, library and 
reading rooms, amusement halls, post and telegraph 
offices, stores, workshops, etc. Suitable compensation is 
given for profitable labor. Good behavior insures the 
kindest treatment. 

Soldiers are especially informed that the Home is 
neither an hospital nor almshouse, but a home where sub- 
sistence, care, religious instruction, employment and 
amusement are provided by the Congress of the United 
States. The provision is not a charity but is a reward to 
the brave and deserving, and is their right, to be forfeited 
only by bad conduct at the Home or conviction of heinous 
crimes. 

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION. 

A volunteer soldier desiring admission may apply by 
letter to either of the managers, whereupon a blank appli- 
cation will be sent to the applicant, and if he be found 
duly qualified, transportation will be furnished; or he can 
apply personally, or by letter, at the branch nearest his 
place of residence. The requirements are : 

First — An honorable discharge from the volunteer 
service. 

Second — Disability by wounds received or sickness con- 
tracted in the line of duty. 

Third — Applicants for admission will be required to 
stipulate and agree to abide by all the rules and regula- 
tions made by the Board of Managers, or by their order ; 
to perform all duties required of them, and to obey all the 
lawful orders of the officers of the Home. Attention is 



G. A. R. HAND BOOK. 29 

called to the fact that by the act of Congress establishing 
the Home the inmates are made subject to the Rules and 
Articles of the War, and will be governed thereby in the 
same manner as if they were in the Army of the United 
States. 

Fourth — A soldier entitled to, or having a pension, 
must forward with his application for admission his dis- 
charge paper and pension certificate, or receipt therefor, 
before his application is considered, which papers will be 
retained at the branch to which the applicant is admitted, 
to be kept there for him, and returned to him when he is 
discharged. This rule is adopted to prevent the loss of 
such papers and certificates, and to hinder fraudulent 
practices. On admission he must also transfer his pension 
certificate to the Home, and the moneys secured thereby, 
and empower the Treasurer of the Home to draw the said 
moneys, and to hold and dispose of the same, subject to 
the laws of Congress and the rules, regulations and orders 
which have been or may hereafter be made by the Board 
of Managers of said National Home for Disabled Volun- 
teer Soldiers. 

Applicants will find it to their advantage to conform 
strictly to the above requirements. 

SOLDIERS' ORPHANS' SCHOOLS. 
The time for closing the Soldiers' Orphans' Schools has 
been extended to 1890. Children are admitted to them 
under the following conditions: " (i). Where the father 
is deceased. In this case it must be shown by satisfactory 
testimony that the cause of the father's death can be traced 
back to circumstances connected with the war — wounds, 
disease, or impaired health. (2.) Where the father is still 
living, but is sick or disabled. In cases of this kind the 
application must contain evidence showing that the sick- 
ness or disability was caused by the war," 



ODES AND SONGS FOR USE OF G. A. R. POSTS. 



OPENING ODE. 

(AiK— Glory, Glory Hallelujah.) 



(BEFORE PRAYER.) 

Warm be the welcome and glad be the cheer, 
Greeting our Comrades who join with us here, 
Warm as in days when with never a fear 
Wc all went marching on. 

Chorus. — Glory, glory hallelujah ! 
Glory, glory hallelujah ! 
Glory, glory hallelujah ! 
We all go marching on. 

Held by Fraternity in bands that are sure, 
Drawn close in Charity by ties that are pure, 
Filled with a Loyalty that ever shall endure, 
We still go marching on. 

Elbow to elbow we stood through the fight, 
Elbow to elbow we stand here to-night, 
Elbow to elbow till heaven is in sight, 
We all go marching on. 



G. A. R. HAND BOOK. 3I 



FRATERNITY. 



AULD LANG SYNE. 



(After the words " Examined and found worthy.") 
Should old acquaintance be forgot, 

And never brought to mind, 
Should old acquaintance be forgot. 

And days of old Lang Syne? 

CHORUS. 

For old Lang Syne, my boys, 

For old Lang Syne; 
We'll never forget when first we met, 

For old Lang Syne. 

And here's a hand my trusty friend, 

And give a hand of thine; 
We'll take a cup of kindness yet, 

For old Lang Syne. 



32 



G. A. R. HAND BOOK. 



CHARITY. 



(After the words — " The greatest of these is Charity,") 

MEEK AND LOWLY. 



Meek and lowly, pure and holy, 

Chief among the blessed three ; 
Turning sadness into gladness. 

Heaven-born art thou " Charity!" 
Pity dwelleth in thy bosom. 

Kindness reigneth o'er thy heart; 
Gentle thoughts alone can sway thee, 

Judgment hath in thee no part. 

Chorus. — Meek and lowly, pure and holy. 

Chief among the blessed three ; 
Turning sadness into gladness. 
Heaven-born art thou. Charity. 

Hoping ever, failing never, 

Tho' deceived believing still; 
Long abiding, all confiding. 

To thy heavenly Father's will ! 
Never weary of well-doing. 

Never fearful of the end; 
Claiming all mankind as brothers, 

Thou doss all alike befriend. 

Chorus. — Meek and lowly, pure and holy, 

Chief among the blessed three; 
Turning sadness into gladness, 
Heaven-born arc thou, Charity. 



G. A. R. HAND BOOK. 33 



LOYALTY. 

(After the words — "The crowning principle of Loyalty."] 
MY COUNTRY 'TIS OF THEE. 

My country 'tis of thee, 
Sweet land of liberty, 

Of thee I sing: 
Land where our fathers died, 
Land of the pilgrim's pride, 
From every mountain side, 

Let Freedom ring. 

My native country, thee. 
Land of the noble free — 

Thy name I love; 
I love thy rocks and rills, 
Thy woods and templed hills; 
My heart with rapture thrills 

Like that above. 

Let music swell the breeze, 
And ring from all the trees. 

Sweet freedom's song; 
Let mortal tongues awake, 
Let all that breathe partake. 
Let rocks their silence break, 

The sound prolong. 

Our father's God to thee. 
Author of Liberty, 
To thee I sing ; 
Long may our land be bright 
With freedom's holy light ; 
Protect us by thy might. 
Great God, our King. 



34 G. A. R. HAND BOOK. 

BADGE ODE. 

(Air— Hold the Fort.) 



(Sing while Badge is being pinned on.) 

Comrade, take this badge of Freedom 

Our Republic gives, 
Let it be the sign that honor 

Ever loyal lives. 

CHORUS. 

Wear the badge and keep it shining, 

All life's journey through, 
Ever as the glorious emblem 

Of the work we do. 

Then, proud eagle, still soar sunward ; 

Flag, your folds swing loose ; 
Love shall shield the helpless orphan ; 

Fill the widow's cruse. 

Wear the badge, etc. 

Let it promise still thy country, 

Manhood staunch and true. 
And the star shall|glisten brighter 

When she calls for you! 

Wear the badge, etc. 
AMERICA. 



'Sing while recruit is signing the roll.) 



God bless our native land, firm may she ever stand, through storm 

and night. 
When the wild tempests rave, ruler of wind and wave, do thou our 

country save, by ihy great might. 

For her our pray'rs shall rise, to God above the skies, on him we 

wait ; 
Thou who art ever nigh, guarding with watchful eye, to thee aloud 

we cry, God save the State, 



G. A. R. HAND BOOK. 35 

CLOSING ODE. 

(Air — Auld Lang Syne.) 



Shall we forget those far-off days 

Which made us comrades all ? 
Shall we forget how swift the feet 

That ran at duty's call ? 
Shall we forget the honored dead 

That sleep beneath the sod, 
Who gave their lives for liberty, 

Our country and our God. 

No, here we pledge fraternity 

With every human life, 
That sang the songs of victory won 

Or fell amid the strife ; 
And when, at last, we answer here, 

As death each name shall call, 
We'll leave these ranks with charity, 

And loyalty to all. 



36 G. A. R. HAND BOOK. 



CAMP FIRE ODES. 



LIGHT UP THE FIRES. 

(Air — Marching Along.) 



Hurrah, Boys ! A Halt ! Pass it on down the road, 
We'll unsling the knapsack, and cast off the load; 
We're all Brigadiers till the next bugle call, 
So ''each for himself and the Lord for us all." 

CHORUS. 

Light up the fires as we halt on the tramp, 

Naught like the Camp-fire ever cheers up the Camp ; 

'Tis right here the soldier gets his fondest desire, 

Then light up the Camp fire, Comrades, light up the fire. 

And now for the beans and the hard-tack as well, 
And now comes the coffee! Oh, my ! bless the smell,; 
The salt junk is here, but the smell, never mind. 
As each for himself ''we can all go it blind." 

And now, fill the pipes, boys, and pass round the weed ; 
'Tis no time to think who 's the next one to bleed. 
We're Comrades the same though we stand or we fall 
We're *'each for the Flag and the Lord for us all." 

ARMY BEAN. 

(Air — Sweet Bye-and-Bye.) 



There's a spot that the soldiers all love. 
The mess-tent's the place that we mean. 

And the dish that we like to see there, 
Is the old-fashioned white Army Bean. 



G. A. R. HAND BOOK. 37 



CHORUS. 



'Tis the bean that we mean, 

And we'll eat as we ne'er ate before; 

The Army Bean, nice and clean, 
We'll stick to our beans evermore. 

Now the bean in its primitive state, 

Is a plant we have all often met; 
And when cooked in the old army style, 

It has charms we can never forget. 

The German is fond of sour-kraut, 
The potato is loved by the Mick ; 

But the soldiers have long since found out, 
That thro' life to our beans we should stick. 

Then poise a fat bean on your fork, 

Gaze upon it, and together smack your jaws; 

While we arise from around the board, 
And give the bean three hearty hurrahs. 



^^0<oo- 



GAY ATTD HAPPY. 



We're the boys that's gay and happy, 
Happy in the tented field; 

With our nation's banner o'er us. 
And its honor for a shield. 

CHORUS, 

So let the cannons boom at will. 
We'll be gay and happy still. 

Gay and happy, gay and happy, 
We'll be gay and happy still. 

Friends at home, be gay and happy. 
Never blush to speak our name ; 

Should our comrades fall in battle, 
They shall share a soldier's fame. 



38 G. A. R. HAND BOOK. 

Girls at home be gay and happy, 
Show that you have woman's pride, 

Never wed a home-sick coward, 
But wait and be a soldier's bride. 



FREEDOM REIGNS TO-DAY. 



(Air — John Brown.) 

John Brown died on a scaffold for the slave, 
Dark was the hour when we dug his hallowed grave; 
Now, God avenges the life he gladly gave ; 
Freedom reigns to-day. 

CHORUS : 

Glory, glory, hallelujuh ! 
Glory, glory, hallelujah ! 
Glory, glory, hallelujah ! 
Freedom reigns to-day, 

John Brown's body lies mouldering in the grave; 
Bright o'er the sod let the starry banner wave, 
Lo ! for the millions he perished all to save. 
Freedom reigns to-day ! 

John Brown dwells where the battle strife is o'er; 
Fate cannot harm him, nor sorrow stir him more ; 
Earth will remember the crown of thorns he wore. 
Freedom reigns to-day! 

Now, three rousing cheers for the Union ; 
Now, three rousing cheers for the Union ; 
Now, three rousing cheers for the Union ; 
Freedom reigns to-day! 



G. A. R. HAND BOOK. 39 

WHO WILL OARE FOR MICKEY NOW? 



{(Parody on " Who will care for mother n»w.") 

Note. — Among the many heroic fellows who drew a prize in Uncle Sam's lottery, 
was a distinguished Frenchman, from Ireland, the only support of himself. On be- 
ing told by the surgeon that he would "Pass," he placed his hand on his stomach, 
and while a big tear of bravery rolled down his cheek, exclaimed in accents that 
would have touched the heart of a wheelbarrow, " Who will care for Mickey now." 

Arrah ! Molly darlin', I'm grafted, 

Sure I must for a soger go; 
An lave you all alone behind me, 

For to fight the ribel foe ! 
But, be the powers! me pluck is failin', 

Big drops of swate roll down my brow ; 
Och, muther, muther ! I am grafted, 

Who will care for Mickey now ? 

CHORUS, 

Soon 'ginst ribels I'll be marching, 

Wid the swate upon me brow, 
Och, blud an ouns ! I'm kilt entirely ; 

Who will care for Mickey now ? 

Arrah! who will comfort me in sorrow, 

Wid a smile or word of cheer ; 
Wash me dirty shirts and stockings, 

Faix! there's no one I fear ; 
Me feet is blistered wid the marching. 

Me knapsack makes me shoulder bows ; 
Pork and crackers are me rations, 

Who will care for Mickey now ? 

Indade, I miss me feather pillow; 

An bed on which I used to lie, 
The pine planks make me feel uneasy, 

If I had wings, och ! but I'd fly, 
But one of me legs is stiff, dear, 

Since I was kicked by Murphy's cow ; 
I'm afraid I niver can skedaddle. 

Who will care for Mickey now ? 



40 G. A. R. HAND BOOK. 

GOOD BTE, MOTHER. 



Parody on "Just Before the Battle, Mother. 



Just before the battle, mother, 

I've been thinking most of you ; 
When we saw the Johnnies coming. 

Quickly to the rear I flew; 
Where the stragglers all were flying, 

Thinking of their homes and wives; 
Thinking not of Rebs, dear mother, 

But their own dear precious lives. 

CHORUS. 

Good-bye ! mother, if you never 
See your darling boy again. 

You may rest assured, dear mother. 
That he's not among the slain. 

Onward to the rear, dear mother, 

With great fearlessness I ran ; 
And when the cannon boomed behind us, 

I was then the foremost man ; 
And when behind the hill dear mother. 

Secure from murd'rous shot and .>hell; 
I felt so truly good, dear motlier, 

That no'words of mine can tell. — Cho, 

Hark ! I hear the bugle sounding, 

Hurrying onward to the fray; 
If I was further back, dear mother. 

Then I would be all O. K. 
This everlasting din, dear mother, 

Is not the thing to make one brave; 
Dear mother, I have no ambition 

To fill an early, honored grave. — Cho. 



G. A. R. HAND BOOK. 4^ 

YANKEE DOODLE. 



Father and I went down to camp, 
Along with Captain Goodwin, 

And there we saw the men and boys, 
As thick as hasty pudding. 

CHORUS. 

Yankee Doodle keep it up, 
Yankee Doodle dandy, 

Mind the music and the step, 
And with the girls be handy. 

And there was Captain Washington 

Upon a slapping stallion, 
And giving orders to his men, 

I guess there was a million. 

And then the feathers on his hat, 
They look so tarnal finey, 

I wanted peskily to get, 
To give to my Jemima. 

And there they had a swamping gun, 
As big as a log of maple, 

On a deuced little cart, 
A load for father's cattle. 

And eveiy time they fired it off 
It took a horn of powder; 

It made a noise like father's gun, 
Only a nation louder. 

But I can't tell you half I see. 
They kept up such a smother ; 

So I took my hat off, made a bow, 
And scampered home to mother. 



42 G. A. R. HAND BOOK. 

HAIL COLUMBIA. 



Hail, Columbia, happy land ! 
Hail, ye heroes! heaven born band! 
Who fought and bled in freedom's cause, 
Who fought and bled in freedom's cause, 
And when the storm of war was gone. 
Enjoyed the peace your valor won. 
Let independence be our boast. 
Ever mindful what it cost; 
Ever grateful for the prize, 
Let its altar reach the skies. 

CHORUS: 
Firm, united, let us be, 
Rallying round our liberty. 
As a band of brothers joined. 
Peace and safety we shall find. 

Immortal patriots rise once more. 
Defend your rights; defend your shore; 
Let no rude foe, with impious hand, 
Let no rude foe, with impious hand, 
Invade the shrine where sacred lies, 
Of toil and blood the well-earned prize. 
While offering peace, sincere and just, 
In heav'n we place a manly trust. 
That truth and justice will prevail, 
And ev'ry scheme of bondage fail. 

Sound, sound the trump of fame ! 

Let Washington's great name 

Ring thro' the world with loud applause. 

Ring thro' the world with loud applause, 

Let every clime to freedom dear. 

Listen with a joyful ear. 

With equal skill, with 2od-like power. 

He governs in the fearful hour 

Of horrid war; or guide with ease 

The happier times of honest peace. 



G. A. R. HAND BOOK. 43 

STAR SPANGLED BANNER. 



Oh ! say can you see, by the dawn's early light, 

What so proudly we hail'd at the twilight's last gleaming, 
Whose stripes and bright stars, thro' the perilous fight, 

O'er the ramparts we watch'd, were so gallantly streaming; 
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in the air, 
Gave the proof thro' the night that our flag was still there ! 
Oh ! say, does that star spangled banner yet wave, 
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave ! 

On the shore, dimly seen thro' the mist of the deep. 

Where the foe's haughty host in the dread silence reposes, 
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep, 

As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses ? 

Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam, 

In full glory reflected, now shines in the stream : 

'Tis the star spangled banner, oh ! long may it wave, 
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave ! 

And where is that band, who so vauntingly swore, 
'Mid the havoc of war and the battle's confusion, 
A home and a Country they'd leave us no more ? 

Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution; 
No refuge could save the hireling and slave 

From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave, 

And the star spangled banner in triumph shall wave. 
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave ! 

Oh ! thus be it ever when freeman shall stand. 

Between their loved home and the war's desolation, 
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land, 

Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation. 
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, 
And this be our motio : "In God is our trust." 

And the star spangled banner in triumph shall wave. 
While th^ land of th? free is the home of the brave, 



44 G- A. R. HAND BOOK. 

MEMORIAL HYMN. 



(Dedicated to the Grand Army of the Republic, by J. F. Loverlng, 
Past Chaplain-in- Chief.) 
God of the living and the dead, 

We bow before Thy face ; 
Pleading Thy goodness and our need, 
We supplicate Thy grace. 

As in the days that once were ours, 

In camp, on march, in field, 
Our^strength was in Thy mighty arm — 

Thy guardian love our shield. 

And when the storm of battle lowered. 

Our courage was in Thee, 
And for one country and one flag, 

We fought on land and sea. 

As we have mourned with aching hearts 

The love of comrades brave. 
And gather here to scatter flowers, 

Upon each cherished grave. 

So muster back our dead that they 

With us our ranks may fill. 
And stand in glad fraternity^ 

Shoulder to shoulder still. 

So give us faith in human right. 

In justice and in Thee, 
That we may hold those once our foes 

In Christian charity. 

So make each patriot soldier's'grave 

A sacred shrine to be. 
That a high alter it may prove 

Of stalwart loyalty. 



G. A. R. HAND BOOK. 45 

Then when the great inspection day 

Shall sound its bugle call, 
May we, in Heaven's grand parade 

Give answer one and all. 



FUNERAL HYMN. 



We shall meet beyond the river, 

By and by, by and by; 
And the darkness shall be over, 

By and by, by and by ; 
With the toilsome journey done. 
And the glorious battle won, 
We shall shine forth as the sun, 

By and by, by and by. 

We shall strike the harps of glory. 

By and by, by and by; 
We shall sing redemption's story. 

By and by, by and by; 
And the strains for evermore 
Shall resound in sweetness o'er 
Yonder everlasting shore. 

By and by, by and by. 

We shall see and be^like Jesus, 

By and by, by and by ; 
Who a crown of life will give us 

By and by, by and by ; 
And the angels who fulfill 
All the mandates of His will 
Shall attend and love us still, 
By and by, by and by. 



46 G. A. R. HAND BOOK. 

There our tears shall all cease flowing, 

By and by, by and by ; 
And with sweetest rapture knowing. 

By and by, by and by, 
All the blest ones who have gone 
To the land of life and song — 
We with shoutings shall rejoin, 
By and by, by and by. 



ADVEETISEMENT. 



Make your Post-room or parlor attractive by placing upon the 
wall a copy of the beautitul representative picture entitled, -.„_—, 

The three Cardinal Principles of the Grand Army of the Republic 
— Fraternity, Charity, Loyalty. (Title and design copyrighted.) In ^ 
this picture the principle of 

Fraternity is represented by the wounded soldier on the field of 
battle, resting upon the arm of a Comrade who ministers to his wants 
as the life blood flows from the fatal wound. 

Charity is represented by the destitute widow and orphan child- 
dren of him, "Who died that the Nation might live," receiving aid 
at the hand of the surviving Comrade. 

LoYAT-TY is represented by the '* Boy in Blue," bearing aloft the 
tattered battle flag, while shot and shell fall thick and fast about him. / 

The entire centre of the picture is a representation of the Grand 
Army of the Republic badge. 

The size of this very suggestive picture is 23 by 30 inches; it is 
highly colored in red, white and blue, and is a most fitting ornament 
for any Post room or Comrade's parlor. 

Feeling assured that these pictures will have a veiy large sale we 
have made the price very low — namely, 75 cents per copy. They 
would be cheap at ^2.00 per copy. 

All pictures will be securely packed and charges paid by us. 

(An agent wante.l in every Post in the land.) 
Fraternally, 

A. C. LEONARD, 
Department of Penn^a G. A. R., Lancaster ^ Pa. 

Send cash with order by postal note, check or otherwise. 



In addition to the above, I can furnish a book that contains more 

than 100 old familiar War, Patriotic and Memorial Songs, for I2.00 
per dozen copies. 

(A less number than one dozen cannot be sent, because of the ex- 
pense of packing, etc.) 




The Grand Amy of the Republic, 
The Watchword of which shall ever be, 



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